California Lawmakers Seek to Protect Access to Online Games

The Protect Our Games Act mandates game publishers maintain continuous online access to their titles. California lawmakers are reviewing this bill, aiming to ensure online games remain available after developers cease support, as noted by Ars Technica. This measure is part of the broader Stop Killing Games preservation movement, active in Europe, which seeks to halt the destruction of digital media and preserve games as cultural heritage. The act proposes requirements like a 60-day notice before ending necessary services and compensating players through refunds or accessible software patches. However, it would only apply to games released after January 1, 2027, leaving existing games unaffected. This legislation raises important questions about digital media ownership as games shift from physical formats to digital services. The debate emphasizes whether consumers own games or merely lease them. Regardless of California’s decision, this discussion continues, with significant consumer support evident in the StopKillingGames subreddit and beyond.